By: Audrey Raymonda John
Ishmail Nabieu, a mason, and Bala Marah, a carpenter, have been committed to the High Court for further trial in connection with an alleged conspiracy, assault, and wounding case. The two accused made their final appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at the Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Thursday, 21st August 2025, facing four count charges.
The charges include conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to law, wounding with intent, wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Wednesday, 16th April 2025, at Black Tank, Adonkia, Goderich, in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused persons allegedly conspired with others unknown to commit the felony of wounding with intent. It is further alleged that they wounded one Baimaro Sesay with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and maliciously assaulted him, causing actual bodily harm.
When the charges were read and explained in court, no plea was taken by the accused.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Joan M. S. Bull led five prosecution witnesses, after which the prosecution closed its case.
The accused were represented in court by defense counsel S.K. Fofana.
In delivering his ruling, Magistrate Fornah noted that Prosecution Witnesses 1, 2, and 3 all corroborated each other’s testimonies, and the medical report, tendered as Exhibit K, supported the prosecution’s case. The Magistrate concluded that there was sufficient evidence for the accused persons to answer to the charges.
He therefore committed both Ishmail Nabieu and Bala Marah to the High Court for trial.
Pursuant to Section 120(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965, the Magistrate ordered that the existing bail conditions for both accused persons remain unchanged pending their appearance at the High Court.